Now that we’re into our first full week of October, you’re no doubt already planning this year’s Halloween costume and are most likely looking for an occasion to show it off. While there’s certain to be plenty of boozy events heading down the pipeline, here’s the early word on four adult-oriented parties.

Brightest Young Things & the Temple of Doom

Friday, October 26, from 8 PM to 1 AM

Insanity is sure to ensue at the Sphinx Club (1315 K St., NW) on Friday, October 26; it’s this year’s site for BYT’s 2012 costume extravaganza, featuring deejays, mummy go-go dancers, a photo booth, and a cash bar. A $20 advance ticket gets you entrance to the multilevel, super-sceney party. Bring that famous Washington ambition to your costume creation—a good getup is sure to garner attention from the other young things.

Zombie Crawl in Silver Spring

Saturday, October 27, beginning at 8 PM

Into zombie assemblies? Head to Sidebar in Silver Spring sporting your finest bloodied rags for drinks and a costume contest that runs until 9. The undead assembly will then walk jerkily to Quarry House Tavern for more drinks. The progressive party ends at AFI with a scary screening.

Over on 14th Street, head to Pearl Dive’s brother bar, where owners Jeff and Barbara Black are inviting revelers to a Halloween dance party with music courtesy of DJ Roz. Drinks—which will include a special punch and frozen cocktails—will go for $9. Shots of Jägermeister and Redheaded Sluts are just $5. You’ll definitely want to wear a costume and register to compete for Best Dressed before 11:30. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize; second place gets a $100 bar tab. There’s also a door prize: a $100 gift certificate to any of the eateries in the Black Restaurant Group (Pearl Dive, Black Market Bistro, Black’s Bar and Kitchen, BlackSalt, and Addie’s).

Everyone has been judged by a bartender at some point in his or her drinking life—here’s your chance to be evaluated by an entire staff of them. Head to the 14th Street Latin fusion destination for a costume contest judged by the restaurant’s bar team. While there, take advantage of food specials and $5 cocktails such as a Zombietini or a RumChata: vanilla vodka, cream, and cinnamon. Vanilla vodka? Sounds pretty scary indeed.